STUDY OF INFILTRATION CAPACITY IN ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE SYSTEMS FOR CONTAMINATED AQUIFERS IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

The objective of the present study is the application of aquifers artificial recharge techniques to minimize the effects of groundwater contamination by infiltration of domestic effluents. The pilot system tested the water injection in cylindrical, recharge digs with on meter diameter, filled with washed river gravel (quartzite pebble). The main results show that: 1) the proposed artificial recharge systems show high effectiveness to induce infiltration of rainwater collected on roofs of buildings into the soil and deep aquifers; 2) potential infiltration volumes, considering different scenarios are relevant and can assist in-situ remediation of contaminated aquifers in periods between 5 to 15 years, depending on the degree of population compliance and the local environment (soil, declivity and geology); 3) the efficiency of artificial recharge can be quantified by the maximum capacity of infiltration in different recharge systems and varies according to the different local controls, 4) the aquifers of the San Diego Condominium are already contaminated by leakage of wastewater, 5) the contamination was established by monitoring water quality of supply wells and the presence of nitrate and ammonia in springs that represent discharge areas of these aquifers.